§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many letters he has received (a) from hon. Members and (b) from the public on the question of the new, lower salary scale for trainee probation officers; and if he will make a statement on the dispute.
§ Mr. MellorThe number of letters received(a) from hon. Members and (b) from the public about the decision to reduce the salaries of probation students commencing with those starting training in 1983 is 233 and 89, respectively. I regret the intention of the National Association of Probation Officers to take industrial action in protest against that decision, the reasons for which are contained in the reply I gave to a question by the hon. Member for Islington, Central (Mr. Grant) on 28 February.—[Vol. 38, c.3.]